According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 14-team competition was one of only a few models discussed by the Sanzaar unions after the World Rugby meetings in Dublin three weeks ago.

The Super 14 ran from 2006 to 2010 until the tournament expanded to 15 teams in 2011, with a conference format replacing the league format.

Three teams were added to Super Rugby in 2016 – the Kings, Japan’s Sunwolves and Argentina’s Jaguares – only for three teams – the Kings, Cheetahs and Force – to be axed at the end of the 2017 tournament.

The Sunwolves, who finished last on the overall log in 2018, would appear to be most at risk if another Super Rugby team was cut, although SARugbymag.co.za understands that at least one of South Africa’s current Super Rugby franchises is keen to join an expanded Pro14.

With Argentina part of Sanzaar, the Jaguares’ place in Super Rugby beyond 2020 seems to be safe.

Photo: Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images